Innovations in design, style and materials for Beach wear from Brazil;• Brazilian export of textile products in the Beach Fashion Industry reached US$23.38 million in 2006. The United States purchased US$9.46 million pieces of the segment and is the major importer, followed by Portugal (US$2.55 million), Italy (US$2.14 million), and Spain (US$1.65 million).

Brazilian Beach FashionInnovative and distinct Design conquers the World

March 2008 - Created by French Louis Réard, the bikini was definitely reinvented by Brazilian designers. The country’s confections created models such as the thong, the hang glider, and the engana-mamãe (mom-deceiver) bathing suit (description of some of the products below). This innovation, motivated by the wide territorial expanse of the Brazilian coast of 7,367 km of sea coast, emerged in the 70’s and were used in the most famous beach of Brazil, Ipanema, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). The same beach that inspired Tom Jobim to compose the Girl from Ipanema song.

Today, the country’s beach fashion can be found around the world, a success explained by their distinct design and high quality of creations. Among the differentials presented is the application of embroideries made by specialized artisans, with exclusive regional techniques, use of alternative materials (such as crochet and lacework) and a variety of products (such as beachwear, bikinis, trikinis and bathing suits).

Some examples of companies that participate in international tradeshows are the brands Sirimar Moda Praia Ltda., and Coco Doce Moda Praia Ltda. (who participate this year in the tradeshows Colombiamoda, in Bogotá, Colombia, and Lyon Mode City, in Lyon, France. In addition to Pokopano (which in 2007 was one of the exhibitors in Colombiamoda, in Colombia, and Swimshow 2008, in Miami). “The Brazilian beach fashion reading is venturous, with bold experimentations in each collection. The stamps, handcraft applications and differentiated cuts make such fashion a unique presence in the world, always interesting and desired”, says Ellen Massuci Leite, coordinator of the ABIT Fashion Center.

“We are the major creators of beach wear in the world, always with exclusive innovations, from the raw materials to the design. This is one of the major reasons why Brazilian beach fashion is considered the object of desire around the world”, says Rafael Cervone Netto, manager of the Texbrasil program.

Textile and Confection Trade Balance – Brazil/USA

In 2005, Brazil produced 259,400,000 units of Beach/Bathing wear, according to data of the Brazilian Textile Industry Report, produced by the Institute of Industrial Studies and Marketing (IEMI).

Brazilian export of textile products in the Beach Fashion Industry reached US$23.38 million in 2006. The United States purchased US$9.46 million pieces of the segment and is the major importer, followed by Portugal (US$2.55 million), Italy (US$2.14 million), and Spain (US$1.65 million).ABIT – Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Associationwww.abit.org.br